SUPER SEDANS: AUDI S8 VS BMW M760LI
The world is moving to crossovers, but these two classic German cars are ready to show who really represents the big leagues in the global auto industry. The top versions of the most luxurious sedans from BMW and Audi together develop almost 1200 hp. with. These machines serve as a showcase for the technical achievements of the best manufacturers in the world.
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The first Audi A8 was released in 1994, although the brand has produced executive sedans before. From the first generation, the A8 differed from competitors with an aluminum body and a monocoque. All this was first applied in the class of executive cars and allowed to significantly reduce weight. The Germans are still true to the chosen concept. Since 2017, the 4th generation of the model has been on the market, and in 2020, the most powerful S-version entered the current market, designed for those owners who want to drive the car themselves.
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The seventh series appeared in the BMW lineup in 1977. Unlike Audi, with its unchanging forms, the design of the Bavarian sedan has changed significantly from generation to generation. All these changes were passionately discussed and condemned by the fans of the brand, but this did not interfere with commercial success. Since 2015, the sixth generation of the model has been produced, in 2019 a restyling was carried out, which is easy to distinguish by a huge radiator grille. The top version is M760Li.
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DESIGN
In Germany, the executive sedans from the “big German three” have an image that has developed over decades. Unlike the calmly bourgeois Mercedes and the ambitiously sporty BMW, the Audi sedan has been and remains emphatically strict. It is no coincidence that the A8 is the main car of the German Bundes Chancellor. However, the S8 is a special car. Outwardly, it is distinguished by silver mirror housings, four round exhaust pipes, 21-inch wheels with red brake calipers.
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BMW with huge “nostrils” and an elongated body looks more monumental. From any angle it is clear – this is a car for a leader, tough and emphatically self-confident. Decorative elements testify to the status: the frame and slats of the radiator grille, mirror housings, nameplates V12 and 20-inch rims of special design. Four “trunks” of the exhaust system look menacingly from under the rear bumper. There is also a special silver-smoky paintwork for this version.
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BEHIND THE WHEEL
It was not in vain that we wrote that these cars are a showcase of technology. The surprises start as soon as you land. It is worth pulling the door handle, and the S8 air suspension quickly raises the body by 5 cm to make it easier to sit down. The salon is decorated in pastel shades. Austerity is combined with excellent materials and three large displays. The concept of Audi is that the interior design is as comfortable as possible and at the same time minimally distracting the driver. S8 is a reliable and efficient servant of its owner.
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At BMW, everything is different, here the car is your partner. The interior is trimmed with brighter and more contrasting materials. The two-tone panel and brushed aluminum make for a more impactful introduction. The Bavarian seems to be striving to be noticed. At the same time, it does not look technologically modern: there are fewer displays, more physical buttons and switches. However, this does not affect ergonomics – the level of comfort here is the highest, and the front seats allow you to sit more tightly than in Audi.
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FULL LOAD
Audi has a 13 cm long version of the A8 L in its arsenal, but the S8 is only offered with a standard body length of about 5.17 m. In the second row there is a large supply of headroom and legroom, soft leather-trimmed headrests, mood-adjustable LED lighting. The remote control for climate, seat settings and comfort functions is at hand. As an option, a rear-seat infotainment system is offered: two tablets with access to vehicle data, navigation functions and the Internet.
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The most powerful BMW 7 Series is only available in an extended version. The difference with the standard Audi in the length of the body is about 6 cm, but in terms of the wheelbase, the BMW immediately wins 21 cm. And this is more than noticeable. Sitting in the back and reclining the front passenger seat, you can stretch your legs and put them on a special stand. In personal rear seats with all sorts of adjustments and digital entertainment, it is so comfortable that the owner will be tempted to move back. In terms of second-row passenger comfort, BMW confidently outperforms the competitor.
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POWER UNIT
Whatever the equipment of the super sedan, the main pride of the owner will be the engine. The Audi brand is converting its most powerful S-versions to diesel engines, but an exception has been made for the S8 sedan. Under its hood is a V8 petrol engine. With a volume of 4 liters, it produces 571 liters. with. and 800 Nm of torque. During acceleration, a hybrid installation adds energy to it. This car can pick up a speed of 100 km / h in 3.8 seconds. Most sports car owners will be left behind!
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The age of downsizing and electrification is imminent, but BMW still offers a 6.6-liter 12-cylinder engine. This engine is more powerful than in the Audi S8: it develops 609 hp. with. and 850 Nm. Despite such a noticeable advantage in passport data, the sprint to 100 km / h takes the same 3.8 s. However, the sensations during acceleration vary. If in Audi the body seems to stick to the road, and the head to the headrest, then the acceleration of the BMW resembles a powerful motor yacht, raising a sea wave in front of its nose.
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CHASSIS
It will not be difficult to drive the Audi S8 calmly and measuredly. In normal driving mode, the engine and suspension settings do not provoke racing until the driver wants it. But the potential of the power unit is always ready. Compared to BMW, the brand that became famous under the slogan “driver's car”, this may sound strange… But more joy from control, from the clarity of the steering wheel, from the obedience of accelerating and braking dynamics gives the Audi S8.
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The BMW chassis performs well on any asphalt surface. Small bumps and waves are absorbed by a complex suspension system. Four-wheel drive and electronic assistants will help in most difficult situations. This allows you to relax in the back seat and not strain behind the wheel. The M760 Li version will easily win the comparison with the vast majority of competitors. However, when reseeding from behind the wheel of the S8, you will notice that the Bavarian sedan does not have such precise handling.
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EQUIPMENT
You can write a dissertation on equipping supersedans. From year to year, the German engineering school continues to amaze with new systems. For example, the S8 is equipped with the latest camera and radar system that monitors bumps in the road and prepares the chassis ahead of time to make sure the car goes over them as smoothly as possible. Audi's latest supersedans already have the ability to update software and drive in autopilot mode when the law allows.
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When it comes to new technologies, the Bavarians cannot afford to be left behind. The BMW 7 Series was the first in the world to receive a remote parking control system: entry and exit are carried out by the car independently, if the correct angle is set, and are controlled by the driver from the key. Alone BMW can overcome approximately eight meters. This can come in handy in a cramped garage or if another car is parked too close to the driver's door.
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PRICES
If you are interested in the price of a yacht, then you cannot afford it… Prices for the Audi S8 TFSI quattro tiptronic start at 10,367,900 rubles. The cost of the options is also impressive. The surcharge for a metallic or mother-of-pearl body color is 217,500. The entertainment system for rear passengers costs the same amount, and you will have to pay 371,800 rubles for the top Bang & Olufsen audio system.
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The starting price of the BMW M760Li xDrive is 11,740,000. There is also a difference in the price of options. For example, the surcharge for a color from the BMW Individual palette is 106,500, and the entertainment system for those sitting in the back will pull on 289,500. The most expensive Bowers & Wilkins audio system is 378,800. For comparison: another competitor, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 11,060,000.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AUDI S8
Overall dimensions, mm 5179×1945×1474
Trunk volume, l 505
Engine power, l. with. 571
Curb weight, kg 2305
Fuel consumption (extra-urban cycle), l / 100 km 10.5
price, rub. 10 367 900
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS BMW M760Li
Overall dimensions, mm 5238×1902×1485
Trunk volume, l 515
Engine power, l. with. 609
Curb weight, kg 2180
Fuel consumption (extra-urban cycle), l / 100 km 12.8
